How Often Should You Change Harley Oil?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Motorcycles needing semi-synthetic can usually last between

5,000-8,000 miles

before needing to change the oil. Finally, motorcycle engines running off fully synthetic motor oil will be able to last between 7,000-10,000 miles before needing to change the oil.

How often should Harley primary oil be changed?

Oil changes as per Owners manual every 5k Miles, Tranny and Primary

every 10K

. If you ride it more you'll be changing it more often.

Do you need to change motorcycle oil every year?

Mineral oil should be replaced every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, or at least

once a year

. Some experts may recommend a minimum of twice a year. Synthetic oil should be replaced every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. Semi-synthetic oil should be replaced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or at least once a year.

How long is Harley oil Good For?

We recommend oil change of a quality Harley-Davidson after

2,500 miles

, after the initial inspection of 1,000 miles. The bike can be run up to 5,000 to 6,000 miles using Semi-synthetic oil. However, fully synthetic oil may be used for every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, as per Rips & Rides.

How often should you change transmission fluid in a Harley?

How often should I change the tranny oil in my Harley? According to the manufacturer's service manual, you should change the engine oil at 5,000 miles. Primary oil should change at 10,000 miles, and trans fluid at

20,000 miles

. A transmission oil change should happen every year.

Is it OK to change oil once a year?

For those who drive only 6,000 miles or less per year, Calkins said manufacturers typically recommend changing the oil

once a year

. Moisture and other contaminants can build up in the oil, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips, so owners shouldn't let it go more than a year.

What happens when a motorcycle sits for years?

When a motorcycle sits for too long, it's possible for the following to happen:

Paint peels on the tank

.

Seals and gaskets shrink and crack

.

Tires become brittle and create flat spots

.

What oil is best for Harley-Davidson?

  • Best Overall: AMSOIL FULL SYNTHETIC Motorcycle Oil 20W-50.
  • Runner-Up: Mobil 1 96936 20W-50 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Motor Oil.
  • Best Budget: Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50.

What kind of fluid goes in a Harley primary?

You actually have a couple of choices for the primary drive. The optimum product would be

Mobil 1 RacingTM 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil

, but it is also okay to use Mobil 1TM V-Twin 20W-50.

How long does Harley synthetic oil last?

There is no magic number showing when to service your bike, but most Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts complete a synthetic oil change every

3,000 to 5,000 miles

based on model. There's also no harm in changing your oil more frequently if you use your bike for daily commutes, long trips and competitions.

What kind of fluid goes in a Harley clutch?

Harley-Davidson recommends that you replace/flush the

DOT 4 brake fluid

in your Harley clutch system every two years regardless of mileage.

What oil goes in a Harley transmission?

AMSOIL Recommendations for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Flathead Best Secondary Transmission

20W-50


MVT Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid
Primary Chain Case 20W-50 MVP Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid Ironhead – Evolution Sportsters / V-Rods Best Secondary

How much oil goes in a Harley transmission?

The transmission fluid capacity is

approximately 24 ounces

(0.71 liters).

Can you go 10000 miles with synthetic oil?


Full synthetic oils will actually last well beyond 10,000 miles

. The lifespan of synthetic oil depends, but it's not crazy to see oils still working at 15,000 miles or longer. … Our standard recommendation is 7,500 miles for a normal vehicle based on the thousands of engine repairs we've seen over the years.

What happens if you go too long without an oil change?

Go long enough without an oil change, and it could eventually cost you your car. Once

motor oil becomes sludge

, it no longer draws heat from the engine. The engine might overheat and either blow a gasket or seize up. … If the heat doesn't cause a gasket to blow, it will warp the parts in your engine.

What happens if you don't change your oil for 10000 miles?


Complete Engine Failure

– If you go long enough without an oil change, it could cost you a car. Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.